P.O. Box 662
Fishkill, NY 12524
Click here to contact Tuhon McGrath

Tuhon William McGrath began his training in the Pekiti-Tirsia system under Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje in 1975 at the age of 14; and received his 1st Level Instructorship (Guro) at the age of 20. In 1982 Grand Master Gaje moved his family to Texas and invited Guro McGrath to operate the National Headquarters School of Pekiti-Tirsia with him. Guro McGrath operated the National Headquarters School from 1982 to 1985. In 1985 he returned to New York and was offered a position as a New York State Court Officer. In 1987 he became the first impact weapons instructor for the New York State Court Officers Academy and authored the impact weapons section of the Academy's defensive tactics manual.

In 1987 Guro McGrath was promoted by Grand Tuhon Gaje to the rank of Maginõo (Elder). In 1994 Grand Tuhon Leo Tortal Gaje promoted William McGrath to the rank of Tuhon (Chief Instructor), the first person outside the Tortal family to attain such rank in the Pekiti-Tirsia System. In 1994 Grand Tuhon Gaje and Tuhon McGrath formed Pekiti-Tirsia International, the governing body for practitioners of the Pekiti-Tirsia International System worldwide.

Today Tuhon McGrath is President of Pekiti-Tirsia International. He is certified by the F.B.I. as a Police Defense Tactics Instructor and by the State of New York as a Police Firearms Instructor (pistol) and is a Life member of the NRA.

Website: Texas Kali Association

Mataas na Guro Erwin Ballarta began his training in 1974 under Fred Tolentino in Manila in a family style of Arnis. In 1975 he met Tuhon Gaje and began training during frequent trips to New York City. Erwin fought in the first full contact Arnis tournament in the U.S. the Palarong Pilipino Pekiti-Tirsia tournament in 1977 and won First Place as the “First Filipino American Full Contact Arnis Champion” at the Philippine Embassy, New York, N.Y. During these early years of Pekiti-Tirsia in the U.S. it was he and Tom Bisio who traded the champions' trophy back and forth each year at the Pekiti-Tirsia National Tournament. Erwin's titles also include; 1980 Grand Champion (Great Gorge, N.J.) and the 1981 U.S. Midwest Champion .

In 1982 Erwin moved to Big Spring, TX. to continue his training with Tuhon Gaje and was Tuhon McGrath's roommate for the first 6 months they were there. Soon after arriving in Texas, Erwin accepted a position as a police officer with the Big Spring Police Dept. quickly being promoted to the rank of Sergeant of the Patrol Division, then Crime Prevention and finally Criminal Investigation Divisions.

From 1987 to the present Erwin has worked as a State Trooper with the Texas Dept. of Public Safety (DPS) in positions that have included Staff Sergeant Governor's Protective Detail, Staff Sergeant DPS Training Academy, and rising to his present position of Staff Lieutenant Defensive Tactics Coordinator at the DPS Training Academy.

Among his many certifications are Emergency Medical Technician certification and an Instructor's Certification with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Office of Standards and Education. He is an ASP Tactical Baton Instructor and a Chemical Aerosol Projector Instructor.

He has taught at these specialized schools on the following subjects: Edged Weapon Defense. Philippine National Police, FBI Defensive Tactics Instructors Course (at Quantico, VA.) DEA Recruit School (also at Quantico), DPS SWAT Team, DPS Narcotics Agents, DPS Criminal Law Enforcement Agents, Mexico Federal Police. Improvised Survival Weaponry. DPS Narcotics Agents (TNCP). Hand Gun Retention. DPS Recruit Schools, DPS Narcotics, Officer Survival Schools, DPS SWAT. Baton Tactics. DPS Recruit School, Midland Sheriff's Office, Sul Ross University. Women's Self Protection. DPS employees, Big Spring, TX. Midland, TX. He has also conducted numerous OC (Oleoresin Capsicum Spray) training classes as well as Survival Ground Tactics classes.

He has been recognized by the FBI Training Academy, Quantico, VA. for his efforts and contribution in the field of Defensive Tactics and developed and instructed the Arnis Baton Tactics class for the Texas DPS Troopers Officer Survival Course (implemented statewide). Before joining the State Police Erwin was the Head Instructor for Safety Baton Tactics, Permian Basin Law Enforcement Academy.

Erwin Ballarta is the President of the Austin Filipino American Association and the Executive Director for the Arnis Texas Association.

13428 Maxella Avenue #237
Marina Del Ray, CA. 90292-5671
Telephone: (310)348-9944
Website: Inosanto Academy of Martial Arts

Born Daniel Arca Inosanto in Stockton Ca. July 24th 1936
1959 Master of Arts Degree in Education
MILITARY SERVICE: Sept. 1959 TO Sept. 1961
HQ & HQ CO 1ST Airborn BG 506TH INF, 101ST Airborn DIV, FT CAMBELL KY.

Mr. Inosanto holds the rank of Maginóo Guro (Elder Instructor) in the Pekiti-Tirsia System (one of only three men to be given this rank by Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje). Guro Dan (as he prefers to be known) also holds full instructor rank given by Master Juan La Coste in KALI-KUNTAW-SILAT-ESKRIMA-PANGAMUT-BERSILAT.

He is certified as full instructor in Eskrima, Arnis and Kali by:

Grandmaster Angel Cabales
Tuhan Ben Largusa
Master Jack Santos
Grandmaster Leo Giron
Master Regino Illustrismo
Grandmaster Floro
Master Sam Tendencia
Master Pasual Ovalles
Master Pedro Ovalles
Master Pedro Ramos
Master Ted Lucay Lucay
Master Max Sermento
Master Gilbert Tenio
Grandmaster Cacoy Canete
Master Teleporo Subing-Subing
Master Edgar Sulite
Emil Saturnion

Dan also holds instructors rank in, Sikaran, Pangamut, Kuntao, and Pandiakan issued by the Masters previously mentioned. He is one of only two men alive appointed to instructors rank(Sifu) by the late Bruce Lee in the three systems that Lee taught (JKD, Jun Fan, and Lee's Tao of Gung Fu). Dan was made heir to these systems by Lee before he died).

He is also certified as an instructor in:

KENPO KARATE (under Mr. Ed Parker)
PUKULAN PENTJAK
PENJAK SILAT
MUAY THAI (under Master Chai )
KENPO JU JITSU
BOXE FRANCAISE
SAVATE
WESTERN BOXING/ WRESTLING/ GRAPPLING.

Dan has also studied: TAI CHI CHUAN, NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN KUNG FU SYSTEMS, BURMESE BOXING, BURMESE BANDO, ( he is an Associate member of the Bando Association). MALAYSIAN BERSILAT KUNTAO, MALAYSIAN SILAT,RCS MACHADO BRAZILIAN JU JITSU.

AWARDS AND HONORS:

1997 PEKITI-TIRSIA INTERNATIONAL - NORTH AMERICAN DIRECTOR
1996 BLACK BELT MAGAZINE'S “MAN OF THE YEAR”
1987 INSIDE KUNG-FU MAGAZINE'S “MAN OF THE YEAR”
1987 BLACK BELT MAGAZINE'S “INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR”
1977 BLACK BELT “HALL OF FAME”
1975 “WHO'S WHO IN THE MARTIAL ARTS”

PUBLICATIONS:

“THE TAO OF JEET KUNE DO” (collaborated with principle author Bruce Lee)
“JEET JUNE DO, THE ART AND PHILOSOPHY OF BRUCE LEE”
“THE FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS AS TAUGHT BY DAN INOSANTO”
“A GUIDE TO MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING EQUIPMENT”
“ABSORB WHAT IS USEFUL”
Contributing editor “Inside Kung-Fu Magazine”

VIDEOS:
“Eskrima Arnis”
“Tabuk Toyuk”
“Bruce Lee's Nunchaku Meathod”
“Surviving Edged Weapons”

FILM CREDITS:
“GAME OF DEATH”
“GREEN HORNET”
“KILLER ELITE”
“SHARKEY'S MACHINE”
“OUT FOR JUSTICE”
“BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA”
“ESCAPE FROM L.A.”

Guro Dan and his wife Paula operate the Inosanto Academy in Marina Del Ray CA. and is one of the most popular martial arts instructors worldwide. Contact Information is included above.

* A message from Guru Dan (March 20th, 1998):

Greetings To All: I first met Bill McGrath in 1979. We both received the rank of Magino’o (7th level) from Tuhon Leo T. Gaje Jr. in February of 1988. In 1994 Bill McGrath became the first American and the first non-Filipino to reach the rank of Tuhon in the system of Pekiti-Tirsia.

Throughout the last nineteen years, Bill has always conveyed to me that he cherishes the skill and knowledge that Tuhon Gaje gave to him. We both agree that you can not put a "price tag" on such skill and knowledge. For many years, I have seen Bill’s enthusiasm and energy in promoting the Filipino Martial Arts, specifically the Pekiti-Tirsia system. I have always found Bill to be a respectful, loyal student and the staunchest supporter of Tuhon Gaje.

In my personal dealings with Bill McGrath throughout the years, he has always acted with integrity and honesty. Tuhon Bill McGrath has run the PTI organization with efficiency and integrity. I am happy to serve under him as the North American Director for Pekiti-Tirsia International.

Guro Dan Inosanto

AM Ortfelde 22A
D-30916 Isernhagen N.B., Germany
Telephone: (49)-(511)724-1414
Website: Kenpokan

Mr. Steiner began his martial arts training at the age of 12 with western boxing. At 16 he started Judo training and Karate at 19 (he received a 3rd Dan in Judo and a 2nd Dan in Karate). He served in the German military from 1970 to '76 and is now a Captain in the Airborne Reserves. Mr. Steiner began training in Kung Fu in 1970 (various styles) and began training under Chris Casey in 1979 studying Wing Chun, Hsing I, Tai Chi, Fuklen White Crane and Pakua Chang. On one of his many trips to teach in the U.S. he met Pekiti-Tirsia Guro David Everett of Hartford CT. who exposed him to the art. He has sponsored Pekiti-Tirsia seminars in Germany since 1995.

Mr. Steiner has taught several different survival and martial arts courses for police departments as well as civilians. He is an associate instructor at the Kenpokan Dojo of Hanover Germany (www.kenpokan.de) where he teaches Wing Chun along side Kenpokan's head instructors PTI's Directors for Germany Oliver Nickel and Raif Beckman who also teach Pekiti-Tirsia, JKD, Muai Tha and Savate at the school.

Mr. Steiner is a certified Chiropractor and Osteopath and is a licensed specialist in "Natural Path" medicine.

His hobbies are shooting, sky diving and, in his own words, "different kinds of crazy stuff."

Website: Kenpokan
Email: kenpokan@t-online.de

No Bio Currently Available

Guro Roberto Bonomelli
Via Dei Cedri 10
27022 Casorate Primo (Pavia)
Italy
Telephone: 0039+(02) 9051018
Website: Akea
Email: attila51@tiscali.it

Roberto Bonomelli is the first instructor in Italy to be certified in Jun-Fan Gung-Fu/Jkd and Filipino Martial Arts under Sifu/Guro Dan Inosanto.

He has been in Martial Arts since 1979, training in Karate Shotokan, Viet-Vo-Dao (Vietnamese Kung-Fu), Thai-Boxing, Arnis de Mano, Pentjak-Silat, Combat Submission Wrestling, Machado Ju-Jitsu, Grappling.

In 1991 he was one of the founders of Akea (Arnis-Kali-Escrima Association), the first national association to promote South-East Martial Arts and Jun-Fan Gung-Fu/Jkd in Italy. Roberto can be considered a pioneer of these arts in his Country: “It was in the early Ninties that in Italy people finally started to see what until that time was only possible to watch on the American Martial Arts magazines”. Since the beginning of Filipino Martial Arts he has always been the Italy Country Director for the Wekaf (World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation) and the Stick-Fighting Team of his Association is still taking part and winning medals at every Championship. Today Roberto Bonomelli, together with his partner Attilio Acquistapace, is still managing the Akea association based in Milano but with members throughout Italy.

He got his instructorship in Arnis de Mano (Matagay System) in 1990, then in 1993 he was certified instructor under Guro Bob Breen president of Bkea (British Kali Eskrima Association) and, always in London, in 1994 he became instructor under the Eakef (European Arnis Kali Eskrima Federation).

During his first trip to Usa in 1991, the first American expert of Filipino Martial Arts he met was Tuhon William McGrath. He was impressed from his system and personality. In 1997 Roberto joined the Knife seminar held in Las Vegas with the President of Pekiti Tirsia International and finally in 2006 his Association organized the first seminar of Tuhon William in Italy.

After joined seminars all around Europe and be the first to bring sifu Dan for seminars in Italy, in 1997 Roberto realized his dream moving to Los Angeles to get his certification under Sifu Inosanto. When he came back to Italy he quit his job as a journalist for a sport publishing company and he became a professional Martial Arts teacher, but he is still a Martial Arts writer (he published several books in Italian, French and Spanish languages, one of them is the first book in Italy about the Inosanto Kali System). Today he is one of the most well respected Martial Arts teacher in his Country.

Guro Attilio Acquistapace
Via Mazzini 33
20099 Sesto S.Giovanni (Milano)
Italy
Telephone: 0039+(02) 26265246
Website: Akea.it
Email: info@akea.it

He has been in Martial Arts since 1972, training in Karate Shotokan, Kick-Boxing, Arnis de Mano, Pentjak-Silat, Judo, Grappling.

1973 - starts with Shotokan Karate

1977 - black belt in Karate Shotokan

1986 – 2° degree (black belt) and instructor of Kickboxing WAKO

1994 - 4° DAN in Karate SANKUKAI

He has been for several years on Italian national Team for C.I.A.M.

In 1991 he was one of the founders of Akea (Arnis-Kali-Escrima Association), the first national association to promote South-East Martial Arts and Jun-Fan Gung-Fu/Jkd in Italy. Attilio can be considered a pioneer of these arts in his Country: “It was in the early Ninties that in Italy people finally started to see what until that time was only possible to watch on the American Martial Arts magazines”. Since the beginning of Filipino Martial Arts he has always been the Italy Country Associate for the Wekaf (World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation) and the Stick-Fighting Team of his Association is still taking part and winning medals at every Championship. Today Attilio Acquistapace, together with his partner Roberto Bonomelli, is still managing the Akea association based in Milano, but with members throughout Italy.

He got his instructorship in Arnis de Mano (Matagay System) in 1990, then in 1993 he was certified instructor under Guro Bob Breen president of Bkea (British Kali Eskrima Association) and, always in London, in 1994 he became instructor under the Eakef (European Arnis Kali Eskrima Federation).

In 2006 his Association organized the first seminar of Tuhon William McGrath in Italy.

He has joined seminars all around Europe and was the first to bring Sifu Dan Inosanto for seminars in Italy and has brought him back several times. Today he is one of the most well respected Martial Arts teachers in his Country.

Telephone: (860)232-0109
Website: White Lotus Martial Arts

No Bio Currently Available

Telephone: (631)585-7446

N.Y. State Director Mike Popolizio receives his Matãas na Guro certificate from Tuhon McGrath. Matãas na Guro Popolizio becomes the first person to complete the entire Pekiti-Tirsia System under Tuhon McGrath.

MATAAS NA GURO MIKE POPOLIZIO: After 7 years in the Pekiti-Tirsia System (with a very strong base of 25+ years in other arts) Mike Popolizio has become the first person to complete the entire Pekiti-Tirsia System under the instruction of Tuhon McGrath and this June was awarded the rank of Mataas na Guro (Master Instructor). Guro Mike’s certificate reads:

"Be it known that MICHAEL POPOLIZIO having successfully completed the full course of instruction in the Pekiti-Tirsia System and having met all the requirements set forth by PEKITI-TIRSIA INTERNATIONAL is hereby promoted to the rank of MATAÃS NA GURO "MASTER INSTRUCTOR" with the right to test up to and including Mataas na Guro rank and issue same in the Pekiti-Tirsia System and having the responsibility of seeing to the continuance of the Pekiti-Tirsia System (signed) TUHON GURO WILLIAM R. MCGRATH, CHIEF INSTRUCTOR, PRESIDENT, PEKITI-TIRSIA INTERNATIONAL"

Guro Mike's Bio:

"I grew up in The Bronx, NY. and began training in boxing in 1964. I entered the New York City Police Academy in 1965. I have worked Street Patrol during assignments throughout N.Y.C. and was assigned to the Brooklyn North Task Force.

I began training in Senso Aiki Jutsu under Master Richard Beherns in 1974 and found that it worked very well with my previous boxing training. JuJutsu training continued in Oshiki-uchi under Miyochi Sensei. In 1984 I began a Jujutsu school in New York.

I was introduced to the Filipino Martial Arts in 1989 by Scott Carpenter, later training in Arnis with Scott Walter (Kobe system). I trained in Kuntao Silat under Roberto Torres which included training with Ba Pak Willem De Thouars in Pentjak Silat.

I had the good fortune to train with Tuhon William McGrath in N.Y.C. where he taught classes beginning in 1992. A few of us were invited to train at Tuhon McGrath's home, where the training was intense, with the main focus on material contained in the "Blue Book" (PTI test book). He drove us hard, demanded excellence, and accepted nothing less. His standards on rank testing and promotions always remained high. We paid with sweat, bruises, blood, sprains and calluses...the rewards were new technique.

Tuhon McGrath was always giving in both technique and encouragement, never holding back as we went from page through page in the "Blue Book"; and for this he has my utmost admiration and respect.

I am presently retired from the N.Y.P.D. and teach JuJutsu and Pekiti-Tirsia in Long Island, N.Y."

Email: office@pmatc.com

No Bio Currently Available

Email: jackbernard@earthlink.net

No Bio Currently Available

Martial Marts Unlimited
1310 West 14 Mile Road
Clawson, MI 48017
Telephone: (248)435-4030
Website: JKD Gym
Email: maunlimited@sbcglobal.net

Chris Malgeri began his martial arts training with Tang Soo Do in 1986 under the direction of Mr. Greg Kevorkian at the Cheshire, CT YMCA. After several years of study Chris earned his Black Belt and Instructor ranking.

He continued his training in a modified Kenpo Karate style after moving with his family to Michigan in 1990. In three more years of practice he earned his first degree Black Belt and taught group, kids and private lessons. However, his martial arts career was about to take a dynamic turn.

In 1993 Chris began training with his now mentor Sifu David Hatch, an instructor in the Inosanto lineage. Sifu David introduced Chris to Jun Fan Gung Fu, Filipino Martial Arts, muay Thai, Savate, Grappling and Pencak Silat. Through his guidance Chris was able to meet with and train under such notable instructors as Guro Dan Inosanto, Ajarn Chai Sirisute, Pendekar Herman Suwanda, Sifu Franics Fong and others.

During his training in Inosanto FMA and Lameco Eskrima, Chris learned of Pekiti Tirsia Kali. Hearing the praises of the art from his respected teachers Inosanto and Sulite, Chris sought out training under PTI’s Tuhon Bill McGrath.

Tuhon Bill conducted his first seminar at Chris’ school in July 2000, and his students have been hooked ever since.

Chris has become a diligent student of Pekiti Tirsia Kali. He especially likes the Knife and Espada Y Daga aspects of the art. What’s more, he can appreciate the depth and detail of Tuhon Bill’s teaching methodology. In many ways it opens the doors to techniques and concepts he has learned over the years.

However, many of Chris’ students have questioned the influence Tuhon has had on his sense of humor!

Chris and his Gym look forward to Tuhon Bill’s return every year to gain more insight and skill in Pekiti Tirsia.

Martial Arts Bio:

• Attributive Martial Arts :: Sifu David Hatch :: Full Instructor
• Jun Fan Gung Fu :: Sigung Dan Inosanto :: Associate Instructor
• Filipino Martial Arts :: Guro Dan Inosanto :: Associate Instructor
• Wing Chun Gung Fu :: Sifu Francis Fong :: Apprentice Instructor
• Pencak Silat Mande Muda :: Pa Herman Suwanda Jagabaya Tiga :: Certified Instructor
• Lameco Eskrima Punong :: Guro Edgar Sulite Assistant :: Instructor (Mahusay rank)
• Jun Fan JKD Grappling Assoc. :: Sifu Larry Hartsell :: Apprentice Instructor
• Muay Thai :: Ajarn Chai Sirisute :: Apprentice Instructor
• Savate :: Professor Salem Assli :: Silver Glove, Initiator
• Pekiti Tirsia Kali :: Tuhon Bill McGrath :: PTCT Kickboxing
• Tang Soo Do :: Mr. Greg Kevorkian :: Black Belt
• Kenpo Karate :: Mr. Gary Williams :: 1st Degree Black Belt
• De La Riva Brazilian Jiu Jitsu :: Mr. Ricardo De La Riva :: Blue Belt
• Training with Erik Paulson, Jean Jacques Machado and others.

Competitions:

• Kickboxing :: 9-4-2
• No Holds Barred :: 4-1
• Danger Zone Middleweight Champion NHB

Telephone: (423)768-2093
Website: ZachWinston.com
Email: zwhitson@bellsouth.net

(left to right) Zach Whitson, Bill McGrath and Zach's top student Jerry McCleary on the occasion of Zach and Jerry's promotion to PTI Certified Trainers in Solo Baston Seguidas in December of 1999.

Zach began his martial arts training in 1975 and has cross-trained in a myriad of martial arts systems. Some of Zach’s experience includes Ishin Ryu Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Sib Pal Gee Korean Kung Fu, Wing Chun Gung Fu, American Kick Boxing, Tracy Kenpo, Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan and Brazilian Jujitsu. In 1986 Zach began studying Ed Parker’s Kenpo Karate with Richard “Huk” Planas and currently holds the rank of Professor, (Sixth Degree Black Belt) under Master Planas. Zach began training in Pekiti-Tirsia Kali in 1990 and currently holds the rank of Mataas na Guro under Tuhon William McGrath. In 1993 Zach was awarded the Planas System Patch signifying that he had completed the Kenpo System as taught by Master Planas. Zach is a member of the Board of Directors for the Chinese Karate Federation and serves as the North Carolina State Director of Pekiti-Tirsia International.

Zach developed a training method for Kenpo called “Kenpo Counterpoint“. The method is used to develop spontaneity in Kenpoist. Because of his extensive knowledge of weapons many people from law enforcement also seek Zach’s instruction in the use of empty hands, stick and knife. Zach is known in Kenpo circles to be an innovative instructor that brings new dimension to Kenpo training. In Pekiti-Tirsia circles Zach is known for his thorough understanding of the system. His understanding of both empty hands and weapons tactics make him a sought after instructor at seminars and camps.

Email: MGOSKF@prodigy.net

Michael O’Melia (shown above with Tuhon Bill at a recent seminar in MN) has over 21 years of martial arts experience. Michael’s martial arts training began in 1985 in the traditional arts of Northern Shaolin and Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu, under the instruction of Alex Gutierrez of Los Angeles, CA. It wasn’t until 1989 that Michael discovered Filipino Martial Arts and Jeet Kune Do at the Minnesota Kali Group. He started training there under the instruction of Rick Faye and Greg Nelson. It was there, in 1989, that he attended his first seminar by Guro Dan Inosanto, an experience that changed his life and the way he looked at martial arts. He continued to train in the Filipino Martial Arts and JKD for the next six years and received his Instructorship in 1995 under Guro Inosanto. He remained at the Minnesota Kali Group as a senior instructor until 1998.

In 1998, Michael moved to Los Angeles, CA to study directly with Guro Inosanto at his academy. It was there, in 1999, that Michael met Tuhon McGrath, who gave a one-day seminar at the Inosanto Academy. It was some time after this that Guro Dan Inosanto recommended Michael continue his training with Tuhon McGrath. Michael moved back to Minneapolis, MN, at the end of 2000. He had the opportunity to attend a Pekiti Tirsia seminar in Detroit, MI in 2001.

In 2002, Michael opened Cornerstone Martial Arts Academy in Minneapolis, MN. He hosted his first seminar in Pekiti Tirsia by Tuhon McGrath in 2003. Tuhon has come back to Cornerstone Martial Arts each year since.

“Tuhon Bill’s enthusiasm and depth of understanding in martial arts, the effectiveness of his system, the generosity of his teaching, and his inescapable humor have made him Cornerstone’s favorite guest and a key influence on our teaching and philosophy.”

Ocean Martial Arts Academy
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Telephone: (843)497-3691
Email: guro@oceanmartialarts.com

(Left to right) Tuhon McGrath, S.C. Director Guro Chris Ash and TN Director Guro Zach Whitson

Guro Chris Ash is the head instructor and founder of the Ocean Martial Arts Academy in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

I began my martial arts training in New Jersey in 1967 in Shotokan Karate. In 1970 thru 1976 studied Judo and Wrestling and then Thai Boxing up to 1978. In 1978 I began studying the art of Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan, a Korean style of karate. Received a 4th Dan Black Belt ranking and later a Master Belt in that style. In 1980 I entered Chiropractic School in Spartanburg, South Carolina. While there I began training in Wing Chun Kung Fu under Dr Bill Wong.

While going to Chiropractic school, I taught and trained in Tang Soo Do under Grand Master Sun Duk Cho. After graduating Chiropractic school I move to Myrtle Beach, SC. and open my first martial arts academy.

Still feeling like I hadn't really found what I was looking for in a martial art system. I began looking at other styles. I even traveled throughout Southeast Asia looking for that one style that would excite me. Like a surfer looking for the perfect wave, I was searching the planet for the perfect art. I traveled throughout Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Japan, Singapore and Indonesia looking for that perfect system that would fit me. A system with good empty hands, edged weapons, and movements that used natural body mechanics. It had to have "flow" and it had to be a system that could compete in any range of fighting.

Finally in 1993 something great happened, while working for an instructor apprenticeship in Wing Chun, under Sifu Francis Fong out of Atlanta Georgia, I was introduced to JKD. Guro Dan Inosanto was there to teach the JKD seminar. Knowing that Guro Dan Inosanto is a living legend in the martial arts community, I was totally attuned to everything that this man had to say. After that weekend of training with Guro Dan Inosanto, I realized that I was close to finding what I’d been searching for in a style.

It wasn’t until 1995 when I met my friend Jack, during a dinner break, at a JKD seminar in New York, that I got my first glimpse of Pekiti-Tirsia. While at the dinner table, Jack whom I’d just met, was sitting next to me grabbing his sides, one side, then the other, and then both. I thought the guy had fleas or something. I said, "What are you doing?" Jack said, "I'm doing a Pekiti drill, I’m practicing knife pulls." Then Jack went into explaining Pekiti-Tirsia. Also that evening, Jack shared a few Pekiti-Tirsia stories with us. I left the dinner table that night thinking 'who are these Pekiti-Tirsia guys?'

Then later that year, while attending a Dan Inosanto Seminar, Guro Dan started demonstrating some Pekiti-Tirsia techniques. Little did I know at the time, that Guro Dan is the North America Director for Pekiti-Tirsia International and holds the rank of Magino’o (Elder); one of only three men to have been given this rank by Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje. It was during this seminar that Guro Dan said, "If you really want to learn a really good system of Kali in its entirety, you need to go to Tuhon Bill McGrath of Pekiti-Tirsia International". That was all I needed. If Dan Inosanto said that Bill McGrath is the one, then that was enough convincing for me. After a phone call to Tuhon McGrath and spending a week training with him at his first Pekiti-Tirsia International summer camp (oh, and by the way, the rumors are true that when you train with Tuhon you do go from sunrise to midnight.) I was thoroughly convinced that the Pekiti-Tirsia system of Kali had in it everything that I could want in a martial art system.

Today, I am certified as a Mataas na Guro (Master Instructor) in Pekiti-Tirsia under Pekiti-Tirsia International. My Ocean Martial Arts Academy offers an entire curriculum just in Pekiti-Tirsia. I continue to teach Tang Soo Do Karate to children, and teach a cardio boxing class to adults. Also, I host a spring Beach Seminar in Pekiti-Tirsia taught by PTI instructors. If you would like to be notified of the next Pekiti-Tirsia Beach Seminar you could reach me with the contact information above.

Email: joro514@optonline.net

I grew up on Long Island, NY and I am a Correction Officer for the Suffolk County Sheriff at the Maximum Security Facility in Riverhead, NY. I began martial arts training in 1980 in Shorin-Ryu Karate under 5Th dan Al Irizary and 2nd dan Steven Bevel. Over the four years I was there Sensei Al instilled in me a training attitude of inner strength and discipline that I still draw on today.

I began training Senso Aiki Jutsu under Sensei Frank Perso. I trained for the next 12 years where I attained the rank of 2nd degree black belt. At about the ten year mark in my training I began a two year blitz of training, going to any and all schools in the area and all seminars to see what else was out there. Traveling as far as Rivervale NJ for Soke Michael Depasquale Jr’s third Sunday of the month JuJutsu classes. At this point it became clear to my instructor that I was looking for more than he had to offer so he introduced me to then Mataas Na Guru Mike Popolizio.

I began training in Pekiti-Tirsia in June 2000 under Mataas Na Guru Mike Popolizio and was hooked immediately. After three weeks I decided to dedicate all my available time to training in Pekiti-Tirsia. Mike was straight to the point with a no nonsense approach to training. He gave all the tools necessary , and made the entire system available for you to earn. He is a stickler for detail and only values technique that “can be done in real time fighting”. He opened my eyes to the idea of attack, counter, re-counter, re-re-counter, eliminating the pit falls of being “a one trick pony.” He has also instilled in me a discipline for study and testing that given the size of this system I could not have completed without.

I have tremendous respect and admiration for Magino’o Mike Popolizio and can only hope I can do him the honor of properly maintaining and passing on the Pekiti-Tirsia system to my students as he has to me.

Email: jlatorre@rochester.rr.com

My Martial Arts Bio
by Mataas na Guro Jack A. Latorre

I received my introduction to the Filipino martial arts around age four (circa 1974) at weddings, birthday parties, and other Filipino gatherings growing up. The teachings were not done as formal classes by formal teachers; rather, it was done by anyone who had something to show to whomever was invited to see. It was not unusual to have a cousin or uncle or some other relative pull someone off to the side and say something like, “Let me show you the move” or “Throw a punch at me…I’ll show you how I’d beat it”. A few techniques were shown to me by my granduncle, “Lolo” Leoncio Romano…a former U.S. Navy cook, doing what I would find out later to be eskrima. According to my father, Lolo was an eskrimador and a bouncer in pubs back in the Philippines back around World War II. He was in charge of tossing out unruly U.S. sailors using a cane or gloves loaded with ball bearings.

Training with Lolo pretty much consisted of him striking slowly at me with a downsized pool cue until I figured a way to evade the strike and deliver a counterstrike. Unfortunately, I did not think much of the whole eskrima thing at the time and naturally focused more on toys and such. Lolo passed away in 1978, leaving the Latorre family feeling much emptier and halting my training. In latter years, two cousins stayed on different occasions with the Latorres…Douglas (Dojie) Seludo, and his brother Jessie (Chuchi) Seludo. Neither of them was an eskrimador per se, but they knew enough to perk my interest in the matter.

Throughout my childhood and adolescent years, I had wanted to pursue Karate, because of some of the movies I had seen. My parents did not want me to join, I thought because they did not want me to be encouraged to fight. It would be much later in life that I found out the real reason. My father, Amado Latorre, was a guerilla during World War II as a teen. He served by running communications for Colonel Fertig on the island of Samar. Of the things he experienced during those years, one of the most heinous acts he witnessed was the beheading of some of the townspeople of Villareal by Japanese soldiers. As a result, my father harbors some resentment for the Japanese to this day. It is precisely his experiences during the war that guided his decision to prevent me from studying Japanese Karate in my youth. 

As an adult, I continued my studies in art and education, but seeing a book by Guro Dan Inosanto rekindled my interests in my cultural heritage. Honestly, at the time, I didn’t even know we (Filipinos) had any formal martial art. I purchased Guro Dan’s book, flipped through it, was impressed, and realized that I had seen some of this stuff before…at those family events, birthday parties and weddings. It came as such a late “renaissance” for me…all I wanted to do is know more about my culture and its martial traditions. It changed my life. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much in the way of Filipino martial arts around where I was living, so I ended up studying Wing Chun Kung Fu with Sifu Steve Lee Swift. It was a very positive experience for me, but I still wanted to learn the Filipino arts.

While studying Wing Chun, I discovered that Guro Inosanto was teaching a seminar not very far away. I registered, participated, and thus came the next major turning point for me: inspired by Guro Inosanto, I tried to train in whatever Filipino art I could get access to. During this time, I trained and received instructorship in Carral Arnis under Guro Perry Gamsby and Guro Geoff Rudd of Sydney, Australia (1994). While there, I was exposed to Doce Pares by Guro Vince Palumbo. When I came back stateside, I continued doing a little Doce Pares with Grandmaster Ciricao (Cacoy) Canete, Grandmaster Dionisio (Diony) Canete, and Guro Arnulfo (Dung) Cuesta. Of course, Guro Inosanto’s seminars were ones of priority. I tried some Muay /thai, some Shooto…it was eye opening.

It wasn’t until 1995 that I got my first taste of Pekiti-Tirsia. Guro Doug Marcaida invited me to a seminar given by his instructor, Guro Omar Hakim. Most fortunately I was invited to join Guro Doug at the first Pekiti-Tirsia International training camp at Tuhon William McGrath’s home. Since then, Pekiti-Tirsia has been my “home” art. I have endeavored to study Pekiti-Tirsia with Tuhon McGrath whenever possible. The system has provided more answers than I have questions; it has transformed the way I look at martial arts and how I approach things outside of the martial arts realm. The highlight of my martial arts training has been my promotion to Mataas na Guro (Master Instructor) in May of 2003. Although I will continue to research other systems, it will be primarily to establish technical relations to my Pekiti-Tirsia…much like Conrado Tortal and his brothers bringing the techniques of other systems to the “think tank” for analysis. Training through the years with peers such as Mataas na Guros Wes Tasker, Zach Whitson, Jerry McCleary, Scott Faulk and Mr. Jack Bernard has made my experiences invaluable. My own students good-naturedly point out what I am doing wrong, reinforce what I might be doing right, and help me reflect on where I am going with all of this. I plan on keeping the system alive for future generations, and making it a sort of “family heirloom” to any descendant willing and disciplined enough to learn it.

I continue to teach Pekiti-Tirsia privately, as well as publicly at the NEMA (North Eastern Martial Arts) Dojo, operated by Sensi Martin Noel. I teach seminars wherever I am welcome. I also occasionally teach self-defense classes at the School of the Arts in Rochester, New York where I teach drawing, painting and theatre technology.

I can be reached by writing:

Pekiti-Tirsia Bothoan
PO Box 188
Brockport, NY 14420

Email: wesley.tasker@rcn.com

Wes Tasker: Martial Arts Bio

I began martial arts training in 1981 in Kenpo Karate. In 1983 I started studying the classical Japanese Jujitsu style Tenshin Shintai Ryu, which I continued to study until my Sensei left the country in 1989. I was exposed to Kali in 1991 by two JKD practitioners at a seminar and I knew that this art was what I was looking for. I started my formal study of Cabales Serrada Escrima and Largo Mano Escrima under Guro Bruce Juchnik (an early student of Manong Guro Angel Cabales) in 1992.

I attained the rank of Lakan Guro from him in 1994. Also in 1994 I started studying Kalasag Kuntao-Silat, Kuntao Silat DeThouars, and Pentjak Silat Perisai Setia under Tuhon/Tuan Roberto Torres. After several years I continued my study of Kuntao Silat DeThouars directly under Bapak Willem DeThouars, attaining the rank of Guru and Sifu in Kuntao Silat DeThouars in December of 2001. I had the good fortune of meeting Mr. Jack Bernard and beginning my training in Pekiti- Tirsia in January of 2001, which also corresponded to a new round of Fishkill seminars – where I was again fortunate to be able to meet and train under Tuhon Bill McGrath on a monthly basis. Besides continuing my study of Kuntao Silat DeThouars and Pekiti-Tirsia, I have recently started to explore the Silat system of Baring Sakti Harimau Minang under Guro Michael Williams.

Note from Tuhon Bill: Wes has earned his Mataas na Gruo rank faster than anyone I have ever promoted. Much of his success can be attributed to his prior martial arts experience, but it is also due to his excellent work ethic. For a period of nearly eight weeks at 8 to 10 hours a day, Wes would train in preparation for his Pekiti-Tirsia tests. Wes also has a memory I can only describe as “spooky”.

Pekiti-Tirsia & Thai Boxing
444 Broadway
New York, NY 10013
Telephone: (212)226-4474
Website: Five Points Fitness
Email: krusimon@5pointsfitness.com

No Bio Currently Available

Pekiti-Tirsia Training Center
Telephone: (917)750-1775

Basic Training in:

Attacks

Sparring

Counters and Random Techniques

For students in Pekiti-Tirsia in the New York City area.

No Bio Currently Available

Telephone: (318)583-4840 Sulphur, LA

(Lt to Rt) PTI LA State Director Dan Terrell, Tuhon Bill, Mataas na Guro Scott Faulk

Scott Faulk's Bio

My martial arts training began in 1982 in the art of Corto Sequida Escrema under the instruction of Master Douglas Kerr and Master Clifford Dean. Corto Sequida Escrema is a basic system that incorporates basic single & double stick techniques with hand techniques derived from Wing Chun principles and kicking techniques from Tae Kwon Do (a little unorthodox by Filipino standards).

In 1983 I met Guro David See and was introduced to Pekiti Tirsia. Although I was still training in Escrema I was very interested in this “Pekiti Tirsia” stuff and began training with Guro David whenever possible. Most of what I learned at that time from Guro David was footwork and some of the two man drills from the 64 Attacks.

In the fall of 1983, I went off to college at Louisiana Tech University to study Mechanical Engineering. In an effort to continue training, I joined the Louisiana Tech Karate Team (a Tae Kwon Do based organization) led by Dr. David Jordan and began competing for them. Since I hadn’t completed my training in Escrema and I didn’t want to forget what I had learned from Guro David, I developed a small following and continued to train outside of team practice whenever possible.

While home for the summer in 1984 I had the pleasure of meeting Tuhon Bill McGrath for the first time. Guro David and a local knife shop, Knife World, sponsored a knife seminar taught by Tuhon Bill. Although Guro David had always spoken very highly of Tuhon Bill, it goes without saying that I was blown away with his skill with a knife. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be until 1991 before I would have the opportunity to train under Tuhon Bill again.

I continued to train on my own with a few “die-hards” and also with the Louisiana Tech Team while at school. When I would come home for the holidays or breaks I would help teach Escrema with Mr. Greg Carlin and Mr. Larry Moss.

In the fall of 1987, while back at school, I decided to join Master Farrokh’s Tae Kwon Do Academy, a more traditional Tae Kwon Do school. I continued to train with his school for approximately one year. Later that same year I was asked to compete with his team in the national tryouts for the 1988 U.S. Olympic Tae Kwon Do Team. I gratefully declined the request, not wanting to put my engineering degree on hold for a year while training and competing at elimination tournaments all over the country for a very slim chance of actually making the U.S. team.

After graduating college in 1988, I went in partnership with Mr. Greg Carlin and began teaching Escrema again.I also started training with Guro David See again, in an effort to continue learning more about Pekiti Tirsia.Later in 1988, Guro David and Lake Charles City Marshall Richard Guillory sponsored a grappling seminar taught by Sifu Larry Hartsell.Sifu Larry’s method of grappling filled a big hole for me, since I had very little grappling experience at the time. Sifu Larry’s incredible talent and power on the mat, go without saying. This led me to begin training under Sifu Larry as much as I could. When Guro David moved to Los Angeles, CA to pursue a career in federal law enforcement in 1989, I was appointed Louisiana State Representative for the Jun Fan JKD Grappling Association by Sifu Larry. Because of time limitations and my focus on Pekiti Tirsia, I decided to resign from this position in 1998. (Note: Guro David is now with the Secret Service and is presently on President Bush’s detail.)

In 1991 at the Northeast Martial Arts Conference and Training Camp held in New York State I had the privilege of meeting Guro Omar Hakim and coincidently having him as my roommate.I instantly became impressed with his knowledge of Pekiti Tirsia and martial arts in general. I was even more pleased to find out he only lived a few hours away in New Orleans.Under Guro Omar’s instruction I once again resumed my Pekiti Tirsia training.

Later in 1991, Guro Omar brought Tuhon Bill in for a seminar on the 5 Attacks Subsystem. From that point forward my main focus in martial arts became Pekiti Tirsia. I began to attend as many seminars and training camps taught by Tuhon Bill and Guro Omar as I could. Once the door was opened and I saw all that Pekiti Tirsia had to offer it became very obvious to me that Pekiti Tirsia was in fact the “graduate school” of martial arts.

Throughout the years I have also had the opportunity to attend seminars/camps and train under greats such as Guro Dan Inosanto, Sifu Francis Fong, Guro Richard Bustillo, Arjarn Chai Sirisute, and Mr. Bill Wallace.All of these experiences have proved to be invaluable to me.

Although the journey continues, training many years in Pekiti Tirsia has opened my eyes to whole new world of combative martial arts. Tuhon Bill’s teaching, training methods, and attention to detail are exceptional to say the least. Even though the training goes without saying, the people I have trained side by side with throughout the years have also been inspiring.Peers such as Guro Zach Whitson, Guro Jerry McCleary, Mr. Danny Terrell, Mr. Stephen Young, Mataas na Guro Jack Latorre, Mr. Jack Bernard, Mr. Kenny Jowers, Guros Chris Ash and Chris Northstrom and the Myrtle Beach group, and recently Mataas na Guro Wes Tasker have all been invaluable in my journey. Special thanks go out to my two training partners, Mr. Kevin Ewalt and Mr. Mike Martinez, and my wife, Nicole. Without their help, dedication, and patience this journey would not be possible!

Telephone: (315)727-7479

No Bio Currently Available

The Edge Martial Arts Academy
906 Wesley Rd.
Knoxville, TN 37909
Telephone: (865)694-0301
Website: The Edge Martial Arts Academy

Tuhon McGrath (kneeling left) and Guro McCleary (kneeling right) demo a knife technique at a recent seminar.

Basic School Contents: Jeet Kune Do (Concepts), Jun Fan Gung-Fu, Filipino Arts (Kali), Western Boxing, Grappling

Martial Arts Trained In: Kali-Arnis-Escrima (Pekiti Tirsia Kali, Lameco Escrima, Vee Arnis, Aijukemar Ryu), Silat, Kempo, Jeet Kune Do, Jun Fan Gung-Fu, Boxing Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, Muay Thai, Sanuces Ju-Jitsu

Direct Instructors in Last 15 Years: Sifu/Guro Larry Hartsell, Tuhon William McGrath, Guro Zach Whitson, Professor Charles Allen, Sifu/Guro Langley West Sifu/Guro Barry Yeawbnick, Simo Katherine Eldridge

Special Training Under: Guro Dan Inosanto, Arjarn Chai Sirisute, Dr. Moses Powell, Guro Richard Bustillo, Mr. Eric Paulson, Mr. Steve Fristoe, Mr. Scott Shields, Guro Mike Popolizio, Sensei Yorinaga Nakamura

Sifu/Guro McCleary has been training in the martial arts for over twenty years and is presently the Tennessee State Director for the Jun Fan /Jeet Kune Do Grappling Association. He has trained with some of the best martial Arts instructors in the country and from around the world. In Guro McCleary’s career he has done many seminars for a number of causes including: Children’s Groups, Rape Centers, Law Enforcement and Community Awareness Programs. Guru McCleary presently runs his program out of the Knoxville Tennessee area.

Solis Martial Arts
1420 E. Bypass Suite 109
Humble, TX 77346
Telephone: (281)540-8443

No Bio Currently Available

Email: iamspy007@hotmail.com

No Bio Currently Available